Ingredients:

  • 1 lb dry short pasta such as Fusilli, Penne, or Campanelle
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Place the 1 lb of dry short pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 4 cups of cold water into your large pot. Note: Starting with cold water allows the pasta to release starch as it heats up.
  2. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Do not cover the pot. Note: Evaporation is our friend here, it concentrates the starch into a thick slurry.
  3. Stir the pasta frequently, especially during the first 5 minutes. Note: This prevents the noodles from clumping together into a giant block.
  4. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a thick, bubbly glaze.
  5. Reduce the heat to low immediately. Note: High heat will break your cheese sauce, making it grainy.
  6. Add the 4 tbsp of cold cubed butter and stir vigorously until the butter disappears and the liquid looks glossy.
  7. Gradually sprinkle in the 2 cups cheddar, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Note: Adding it in handfuls ensures every bit melts before the next goes in.
  8. Whisk in the 1/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 tsp garlic powder until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety.
  9. Check the consistency. Note: If it’s too thick, add one extra tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess.
  10. Serve the dish immediately while the emulsion is at its peak stability and looks like liquid gold. Grandmas Goulash: One-Pot, 40 Minutes — Master grandmas goulash with our traditional recipe featuring ground beef and...Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy & Rich — Craving easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta? This rich, creamy recipe delivers a...Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in 30 Minutes — Master this Easy One Pot Dinner with Creamy sauce and smoky andouille. Includ... $img_2$